3Cr3Mo3W2V Hot Work Tool Steel

3Cr3Mo3W2V Tool Steel is a high-performance, high-alloy hot work tool steel designed for demanding applications. Its designation indicates the approximate chemical composition: 3% Chromium (Cr), 3% Molybdenum (Mo), 2% Tungsten (W), and Vanadium (V). At Aobo Steel, we supply high-quality 3Cr3Mo3W2V steel, backed by our extensive experience in forging.

1.  3Cr3Mo3W2V Tool Steel Chemical Composition

The specified chemical composition (in weight percentage) for 3Cr3Mo3W2V Tool Steel is as follows:

• Carbon (C): 0.32% ~ 0.42%
• Silicon (Si): 0.60% ~ 0.90%
• Manganese (Mn): ≤0.65%
• Chromium (Cr): 2.80% ~ 3.30%
• Molybdenum (Mo): 2.50% ~ 3.00%
• Tungsten (W): 1.20% ~ 1.80%
• Vanadium (V): 0.80% ~ 1.20%
• Phosphorus (P): ≤0.030%
• Sulfur (S): ≤0.030%

2. 3Cr3Mo3W2V Tool Steel Properties and Advantages

This grade offers a strong combination of properties essential for hot work tooling:

• High Strength and Toughness: Provides durability under significant operational stress.
• Good Fatigue Resistance: Resists both cold and hot fatigue effectively.
• Excellent Thermal Stability: The molybdenum content enhances stability and temper resistance compared to grades like 3Cr2W8V.
• Good Wear Resistance: Suitable for applications involving friction and abrasion at high temperatures.
• Superior Hot Fatigue Strength: Outperforms 3Cr2W8V in resistance to heat checking.

Note: The molybdenum content requires careful control during hot working to minimize decarburization.

3. 3Cr3Mo3W2V Tool Steel Applications

3Cr3Mo3W2V steel is well-suited for tools and dies operating under severe conditions. We recommend it for:

• Hot Extrusion Dies
• Hot Pressing Dies
• Hot Forging Dies (including pressure machine forging, bearing hot forging cavities, precision forging for high-strength steels)
• Die Casting Molds (especially for aluminum and copper alloys)
• Hot Shear Blades
• Cold Heading Dies (standard parts industry)
• Piercing Tools (e.g., Mandrels)

In many applications, particularly aluminum and copper die casting, as well as hot extrusion, 3Cr3Mo3W2V Tool Steel has demonstrated a significantly longer service life (1 to 4 times) compared to 3Cr2W8V. It excels in molds that work at high temperatures, high speeds, under heavy loads, and are subject to rapid heating and cooling cycles.

4. Processing Guidelines

Achieving optimal performance from 3Cr3Mo3W2V requires precise processing. With over 20 years of forging expertise, Aobo Steel understands these requirements.

4.1 Forging

• Ingot Heating: 1170-1200°C
• Ingot Forging: Start 1100-1150°C, Finish >900°C
• Billet Heating: 1150-1180°C
• Billet Forging: Start 1050-1100°C, Finish >850°C
• Post-Forging: Slow cool (in sand or pit).
• Caution: Careful heating and soaking are crucial to prevent decarburization due to the molybdenum content. Control cooling rates to manage carbide structure.

4.2 Heat Treatment

• Pre-treatment: Spheroidizing annealing (target ≤255 HBW) is recommended. Normalizing followed by spheroidizing annealing is beneficial for large sections, refining the carbide structure, and improving toughness. Rapid spheroidizing processes can achieve uniform structures (target ≥229 HBW).
• Quenching: Typically, oil quenching is performed at temperatures ranging from 1060 °C to 1130°C, achieving a hardness of 52-56 HRC. Salt bath quenching is also effective (Example: preheat at 500°C and 800°C, heat at 1100-1130°C, and then oil quench).
• Tempering: Crucial for final properties. 3Cr3Mo3W2V exhibits secondary hardening. Double tempering (e.g., 620-650°C, 2 hours each time, for specific applications) is often employed to transform retained austenite and optimize hardness and toughness, targeting 46-51 HRC or as required. Tempering curves determine the exact temperature for the desired hardness.

4.3 Carbide Management

Chain-like carbides can form during cooling after forging, potentially reducing fatigue life. Controlled cooling and appropriate pre-treatments, including normalizing/quenching and high-temperature tempering before spheroidizing, help manage carbide distribution for improved toughness.

5. Surface Treatments

To further enhance performance, consider surface treatments like nitriding or PVD coatings. These can improve wear resistance and reduce friction, extending tool life in demanding applications.

Summary

3Cr3Mo3W2V is a robust hot work tool steel offering an excellent balance of strength, toughness, thermal stability, and wear resistance. It often provides superior performance and longer service life compared to grades like 3Cr2W8V in demanding hot work applications. Proper forging and heat treatment are key to unlocking its full potential.

Contact Aobo Steel for your 3Cr3Mo3W2V requirements. Our experience ensures that you receive high-quality material, processed to meet your specific needs.